Big clashes in Dortmund between Hertha ultras & police. 27.10.2018

Saturday’s Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hertha Berlin was overshadowed by clashes between away fans and police.

After Hertha ultras used pyrotechnics for the second time in the first half, police entered the area in front of the away section and attempted to confiscate a large banner underneath which fans put balaclavas. A frequent practice by supporters who don’t want to be identified using pyrotechnics, which are banned in Germany.

In response to the attempt to confiscate the banner, Hertha ultras clashed with police.

Borussia Dortmund fanzine Schwatzgelb said “the police provoked clashes with Hertha fans by attempt to confiscating a banner as a result of two flares.”

“An ultra group’s flags and other material are considered precious, not just in Berlin,” explained fan culture portal Faszination Fankurve afterwards. “Police who attempt to confiscate such material must be preper to escalation of the situation. An attack on a flag represents the biggest provocation possible.”

Berlin-based fan lawyer René Lau said that he had been contacted by Hertha Berlin fans who spoke of an “absolutely disproportionate use of pepper spray and batons” and claimed that injured fans were prevented from leaving the stadium.